Past Paper Feb 2022

Question 1

Name two distinctly different types of protective structure

Answer 1

Glasshouse
Walk-in polythene tunnel
cold frame
cloche
Low polythene tunnel
conservatory

Question 2

Describe how a glasshouse can be used for crop production

Answer 2

can be a heated/un-heated environment
Grow veg or ornamental plants in it eg; tomatoes, cucumbers, Poinsettias, Cyclamen

Can grow crops on benches, or on the ground using a hydroculture system

Question 3

Describe how a walk-in polythene tunnel can be used for crop production

Answer 3

Usually un-heated, but can heat if required.
Less flexible growing structure compared to a glass house
Potential of the growing season is shorter and retains a high level of humidity

Can grow Celery, strawberries, raspberries, peppers, lettuce

Question 4

Compare the aerial environments of outside and inside a protected environment of; AIR TEMPERATURE

Answer 4

OUTSIDE; Lower air temp

PROTECTED ENVIRONMENT; Higher air temp.

Question 5

Compare the aerial environments of outside and inside a protected environment of; Relative humidity (on a sunny day)

Answer 5

outside; lower relative humidity

Protected environment; Higher relative humidity

Question 6

Compare the aerial environments of outside and inside a protected environment of; AIR MOVEMENT

Answer 6

Outside; Considerable air movement

Protected environment; limited air movement

Question 7

Compare the aerial environments of outside and inside a protected environment of; CARBON DIOXIDE CONCENTRATION

Answer 7

Outside; ambient carbon dioxide concentration

Protected environment; lower carbon dioxide concentration

Question 8

Compare the aerial environments of outside and inside a protected environment of; NATURAL LIGHT LEVELS

Answer 8

Outside; Higher light levels

Protected environment; Restricted natural light

Question 9

Name two distinct cladding materials used in the construction of protected structures

Answer 9

Horticultural glass
Polythene film
twin-walled polycarbonate
acrylic sheeting
shade netting
horticultural fleece

Question 10

State 4 characteristics of the following cladding materials: HORTICULTURAL GLASS

Answer 10

long life span
very heavy
strong
fragile
high level of light transmission
retains heat well

Question 11

State 4 characteristics of the following cladding materials: POLYTHENE FILM

Answer 11

cheaper than horticultural glass
life span 4-5 years
Retains less heat than hort. glass
Good light transmission -that is reduced by condensation.
Deteriorates over time due to dust and UV rays

Question 12

State 4 characteristics of the following cladding materials: TWIN-WALLED POLYCARBONATE

Answer 12

Costs more than hort glass
lighter and easier to handle than the glass too
Can saw into shape/size
Good heat retention/light transmission
Can deteriorate over time due to acid rain

Question 13

State the properties of two named materials used in growing media, for the production of plants in protected environments ; SPHAGNUM MOSS PEAT

Answer 13

Naturally sterile
Good water retention
Excellent structure
Well aerated
Very acidic (pH4)
Difficult to re-wet once dried out

Not a sustainable product, releases carbon into the atmosphere so preferable to use an alternative method*

Question 14

State the properties of two named materials used in growing media, for the production of plants in protected environments ; SHREDDED BARK

Answer 14

Non-clumping
open structure
good aeration
Can lock up Nitrogen
Low water holding ability
pH variable

Question 15

State the properties of two named materials used in growing media, for the production of plants in protected environments ; PERLITE

Answer 15

inert, durable, light, sterile
Improves drainage/air-filled porosity in a growing media
Water is only held on the surface of the granule
Produces dust which is an irritant

Question 16

Describe 2 environmental factors that must be taken into account when displaying plants inside domestic buildings; NATURAL LIGHT LEVELS

Answer 16

Influences plant selection

Poor light leads to etiolated growth , extended inter-nodes and weak growth that is susceptible to pests/diseases

Plants with variegated foliage require higher natural light levels to maintain their variegation

Flowering plants require good light levels

Green Foliage plants tolerate lower levels of light

Excessively high light levels result in leaf scorch

Question 17

Describe 2 environmental factors that must be taken into account when displaying plants inside domestic buildings; AIR TEMPERATURE

Answer 17

Individual plants require a specific temp range

Low temps result in poor, weak slow growth and lack of flower buds

Excessive high temps create additional drying out of growing media and possible leaf damage

Fluctuating temps are more damaging, resulting in very poor growth and leaf damage

Question 18

Describe the management of the foliage plant Ficus benjammina under each of the following headings; PROPAGATION (7 points)

Answer 18

Prop. by stem tip cuttings

Healthy, true to type, pest/disease free material is removed from the stock plant

Take from just above a node 7.5-10cm in length.

To prepare, trim just below the node at base and cut to 5-7.5cm long

Remove the lower third of the leaves.

You can apply a rooting hormone powder if you want

Place cutting in a suitable environment eg; closed case with a basal temp of 21-24’c with a hight relative humidity to minimise moisture loss

Question 19

Describe the management of the foliage plant Ficus benjammina under each of the following headings; POTTING

Answer 19

Pot rooted cuttings into 9cm pots
Use with John Innes No.2 or equivalent loam less growing media.
Gently tease apart cuttings to avoid root damage
Hold in centre of pot half filled with gm.
Pot to same depth as they were in the cuttings tray
Growing media is gently placed around the plant until the pot is full
Gently firm so ensure cutting is upright and secure.

Question 20

Describe the management of the foliage plant Ficus benjammina under each of the following headings; WATERING

Answer 20

Water over head initially after potting to settle the gm.
Keep gm moist especially during the growing season
Use a watering can with a fine rose/single spout or place bots on a tray of water

Question 21

Describe the management of the foliage plant Ficus benjammina under each of the following headings; ONE SYMPTOM OF ONE NAMED PEST

Answer 21

Two spotted spider mite

Caused localised death of the leaf mesophyll cells

This results in fine mottling on the leaf
Fine silk strands are visible on the underside of the leaves in severe infestations

Mealy bug and scale insect are other pests.

Question 22

Describe one method of watering plants stating two advantages of the method. WATERING CAN

Answer 22

Provides a limited amount of water before needing to be re-filled.
The single spout can be used to target water to the base of a plant onto the root system
You can use it with a rose for a fine spray onto a tray of seedlings

Cans are cheap, readily available and portable.
It is adaptable - can water a large specimen or trays of seedlings.

Question 23

Describe one automated method of watering plants stating two limitations of the system; DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM

Answer 23

Alkathene pipes transport water from the mains near to the plant.

Capillary tubes are inserted into the pipes which are often pegged into the container next to the plant.

Water is delivered as a drip from this tube which is targeted around the base of the plant

In hard water areas where water in alkaline, the capillary tubes can become blocked so plants become dry.

Rabbits/rodents can chew through the tubes making them ineffective.